Do Blinds Keep Your House Cool? A Las Vegas Homeowner’s Guide
More than in any other state, Nevada’s sun can increase your bills, ruin your interior, and make you uncomfortable during those heat-intensive summers. Finding a window solution that blocks out the sun and keeps your home cool is your best option.
Blinds are a popular choice, but can they really keep your home cool when it’s 115 degrees outside? They can certainly help.
Use this Las Vegas homeowners’ guide to figure out if blinds really keep your home cold and what styles and materials are best for the job.
Do Blinds Help Keep Your House Cool?
Blinds keep a Las Vegas home cooler during the intense summer heat by reflecting the UV rays away from your home’s interior.
While not quite as strong as shutters, properly adjusted blinds still reduce the amount of heat inside a home.
They work even more efficiently when built custom sized to fit your exact window shape. The more precise fitting gives you better light control.
The blind material also provides better heat resistance, like wood, which has a lower heat conductivity.
How Do Blinds Reduce Heat From The Sun?
The primary way a blind will reduce heat is by limiting the amount of sunlight and UV rays that enter your home.
When you tilt the slats downward, they provide a barrier by overlapping each other, which limits the amount of sunlight that comes through.
You’ll still get some natural light that filters through, but your furniture and interior surfaces won’t absorb as much heat. The process reduces the workload on your AC and preserves the quality of your home fixtures.
Which Types Of Blinds Are Best For Hot Climates, Like Las Vegas?
Wood slats are the best for hot climates like Las Vegas. The thicker material doesn’t absorb as much heat, provides more coverage against filtered UV rays, and won’t bend or damage as easily.
It’s also important to note that it’s not only the material that matters. Different rooms benefit from different styles of blinds.
Venetian blinds are the most popular for regular window sizes throughout the home. They have traditional horizontal slats. Aluminum mini blinds are also usually chosen for large expanses of glass because of their coverage and light weight. Vertical blinds are best for sliding doors or oversized windows because of their height coverage.
Are Blinds More Effective Than Other Window Treatments For Blocking Heat?
Blinds are a good option for keeping your Las Vegas home cooler during the summer; however, there are other materials and options that perform better against the heat.
Hardwood shutters are more effective than blinds because the thicker width provides better coverage. You can also choose better insulating materials that not only block the UV rays but also maintain temperatures better within the home.
The best heat-blocking window treatment is a cellular material, like Polycel. The high-tech material is made from polywood, which mimics real wood, but is UV-resistant, easier to clean, and maintains quality.
Can Energy-Efficient Blinds Help Lower Cooling Costs?
Anytime you reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering your home, especially in Las Vegas, you will lower your cooling costs.
Your air conditioner doesn’t work as hard to sustain the same temperatures, lowering the amount of energy needed.
Keeping your blinds closed during peak heat periods from about 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. is best practice to lower indoor temps and reduce your cooling costs.
What Features Should You Look For In Blinds For Maximum Heat Protection?
Precise light control and the type of material is what to look for when installing blinds to prevent heat spikes.
Getting your blinds custom fitted to your exact window size means there is less filtered light seeping through that is potentially heating up your home.
Choosing wood slats is the best for Las Vegas homes because it keeps the sun out, while doing a better job at maintaining internal temps.
How Do You Choose The Best Window Treatment For Keeping Your Home Cool?
Rather than going through hours of research trying to figure out the best window treatment, having a professional come into your home and guide you in the right direction is the best way.
Professionals, like Best Buy Shutters, offer free in-home estimates, where an expert personally measures window sizes, takes a look at the most intense heat spots, and recommends a solution based on your budget and preference.
By investing the time and effort into getting the right window treatment, you’re protecting yourself from years of high cooling costs and a home that never cools down.
Finding The Right Blinds For Your Las Vegas Home
A Las Vegas home benefits more from blinds that combine maximum light control, insulating material, and lasting durability.
Whether you’re finally deciding to upgrade or getting a custom fit for the first time, Best Buy Shutters offers a free in-home estimate to get you a solution your home deserves.
